Court denies Delfin Lee testimony in Senate

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Pampanga Regional Trial Court has prevented the appearance of Globe Asiatique top honcho Delfin Lee before a Senate hearing.

In a statement, Senator JV Ejercito said: "I regret to inform the public that in an Order dated 08 May 2014,the Regional Trial Court of Pampanga has prevented the appearance of Mr. Delfin Lee on the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement’s hearing on the P7-Billion housing scam set on May 15, 2014."

Ejercito, who is head of the committee, said the hearing will be deferred until further notice.

He said the committee respects the jurisdiction of the court.

"We will continue to be respectful of our courts of justice but I would like to assure the public that we remain committed to pursue the investigation so that justice will be served and meaningful reforms will be instituted to prevent the occurrence of such scams in the future."

Ejercito noted the principle of separation of powers as the committee intends to appeal the decision.

"Rest assured, the Committee will continue its efforts to secure the presence of Mr. Lee in the next hearing. Pursuant to the principle of separation of powers, courts have no jurisdiction to restrain Congress from performing its constitutionally vested function to conduct investigations in aid of legislation," he said.